Cold Case Files: REOPENED - The Bad Cop

Hosted by Paula Barros, "Cold Case Files" delves into some of America's most perplexing unsolved murders. In the episode titled "REOPENED: The Bad Cop," listeners are taken through the intricate investigation of Kimberly Wright's mysterious death, which remained unsolved for over a decade before a breakthrough led to justice.

Introduction to the Case

On May 1, 1993, Kimberly Wright and her husband Doug, a former State Trooper grappling with disciplinary issues, were navigating a tumultuous separation. Their relationship was marred by frequent arguments over their home, alimony, child support, and custody of their son.

The Night of the Incident (01:08 - 02:14)

• Event Timeline:
  • Doug visited Kimberly's home with the intent to discuss their divorce.
  • They engaged in intimate relations, followed by a heated argument. Kimberly, reportedly intoxicated, became violent and threw a glass at Doug, shattering it.
  • Seeking to de-escalate, Doug left to play with the dogs and tend to their son's toys.
  • Approximately an hour later, Doug returned to find Kimberly bleeding on the basement couch and immediately called 911.

Initial Investigation and Red Flags (02:14 - 09:04)

First Responders and Suspicious Behavior (02:14 - 03:30)

• Deputy Sipanek was the first to arrive at the scene. Recognizing Doug’s background as a former state trooper, Deputy Sipanek noted discrepancies in Doug’s behavior.

  • Detective David Dwyer recounts, “[...] when I shook his hand, his hands were all wet. Still, he told me he just washed his hands.” (02:28)

• Doug led Deputy Sipanek to the basement, where they discovered Kimberly with a significant wound in her mid-sternum area.

• Doug claimed to have attempted CPR on Kimberly, but Deputy Sipanek questioned the feasibility of performing CPR on a couch, stating, “One of the first things I teach on CPR is you do it on a hard surface and the couch is no place to do CPR.” (03:12)

Autopsy Findings and Indeterminate Death (06:57 - 08:19)

• Dr. Kazi Azer conducted the autopsy, revealing Kimberly's blood alcohol level was 0.4, raising doubts about her ability to execute a suicide.

• Dr. Azer concluded the manner of death as indeterminate, stating, “I will leave this as indeterminate, and maybe in future we will have some more clues and some more information which could lead to the correct manner of death.” (07:57)

• Despite suspicions, Deputy Petrovka emphasized the need for concrete evidence, leading to the case remaining open but inactive for years.

Community Insights and Further Suspicion (08:19 - 09:04)

• Kimberly's cousin, Beth, provided crucial testimony, revealing that Doug had frequently threatened Kimberly, stating, “I can kill you and make it,” and referred to her endearingly as “Aunt Betts.” (08:47)

• Despite mounting circumstantial evidence, the district attorney deemed it insufficient to press charges, leaving Kimberly’s death unresolved.

Reopening the Case (09:04 - 10:34)

In 2000, with the election of Sheriff Robert Pickell in Genesee County, a renewed interest in cold cases emerged. Pickell appointed James Gage, a former state trooper, as his second-in-command. Gage recognized the potential in re-examining cases like Kimberly's and identified Doug Wright as a key suspect.

• Detective David Dwyer, with just a year of experience, was entrusted with the case. Dwyer noted the importance of Doug's suspicious actions: “Any one of those things would be a flag that this is problematic.” (10:34)

The Interrogation Process (14:14 - 19:47)

Initial Interrogation in Florida (14:14 - 15:54)

• In March 2002, Dwyer traveled to Florida to interview Doug Wright, who was living there at the time.

• Upon arrival, Dwyer confronted Doug with inconsistencies in his initial statements, attempting to unsettle him.

  • Dwyer: “You wouldn't think a person, if they wanted to seriously discuss, would bring a lot of liquor with them. And I would not have thought he would have been bringing a weapon with him in his briefcase. That seems a little unusual.” (06:09)

• Doug remained uncooperative, leading to a temporary retreat from the interrogation.

Strategic Bluff and Recording (15:00 - 16:59)

• Dwyer employed a recording device disguised as a cell phone to gain Doug's trust during a second meeting at a local hotel.

• Dwyer: “[...] when I tell you right off the bat, I believed you when you said that you killed the trigger. But if you tell me that you weren't down there, okay, if you stick with that, the picture that's painted of you is that you did something bad.” (15:54)

• This tactic aimed to provoke Doug into revealing inconsistencies, which he eventually did, admitting to being present at the time of Kimberly's death.

  • Dwyer: “He says, I get into the stairwell and I hear a gunshot. [...] Did you try grabbing the gun from her as she shot herself?” (16:32)

• Doug's fluctuating statements and admissions were pivotal in building a case against him.

Building the Case and Conviction (17:14 - 19:47)

• The amassed circumstantial evidence and Doug's inconsistent testimonies convinced the jury of his guilt.

• Dwyer: “How does a jury look at that story? I hear a gunshot, and then I go outside, and then I come back and do all this stuff to the scene. A jury can read through that.” (16:59)

• In 2003, Doug Wright was brought to trial in Michigan. His ambiguous and conflicting testimonies, especially about the sounds he purportedly heard during the incident, undermined his defense.

  • Dwyer: “[...] a gunshot doesn't sound like a lamp breaking, does it? Surely not.” (18:30)

• Outcome: Convicted on strong circumstantial evidence, Doug was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison, with his earliest release date set for 2024. Kimberly’s family expressed profound gratitude for the diligent work of the investigative team.

Conclusion and Aftermath (19:47 - 21:36)

Doug Wright, now 68 years old, remains incarcerated, serving time for Kimberly Wright's murder. The case stands as a testament to the perseverance and strategic investigative efforts of Detective David Dwyer and his team, transforming a cold case into a resolved homicide.

Kimberly's cousin, Beth, shared her appreciation: “We are so grateful to them.” (19:30)

The episode underscores the critical role of tenacity and innovative investigative techniques in solving long-buried crimes, offering hope to countless unresolved cases across America.

Production Credits:

• Host: Brooke Giddings
• Producers: McKamey, Lynn, and Steve Delamater
• Executive Producer: Ted Butler
• Music: Blake Maples
• Distribution: PodcastOne

Connect with Cold Case Files:

• Twitter: @rookginnings
• Instagram: Brooke the Podcaster
• Facebook Group: Podcast for Justice
• Website: ColdCaseFiles@aetv.com

This detailed account not only highlights the complexities involved in solving cold cases but also celebrates the dedication of law enforcement professionals committed to uncovering the truth.